Deer out early in the morning enjoying the bright sun. / Submitted by Roger Small

MADISON — Wisconsin's new Deer Management Assistance Program has completed its first enrollment period. A number of Wisconsin landowners are eager to work in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources toward a common goal - providing for healthy deer and habitat management.

DMAP is one of several new programs and changes resulting from a two-year review of Wisconsin's deer management program. DMAP will give landowners the tools and technical assistance needed to manage their property for deer and other wildlife. The program encourages sound land stewardship practices on private and public land and is intended to improve relationships between landowners, hunters and DNR.

DMAP offers three levels of enrollment, with benefits increasing from levels 1 through 3.

As of May 30, landowners had submitted 41 level 1 applications, 56 level 2 applications and 17 level 3 applications. These landowners represent 46 counties in Wisconsin and close to 44,000 total acres of land.

"I'm really excited about the number of applications we received in our first month of enrollment," said Bob Nack, DMAP coordinator. "Clearly, there is a strong interest and demand for this program from Wisconsin landowners - nearly 44,000 acres is an impressive amount in only our first month."

A majority of landowners were responsive to maintaining healthy deer and healthy habitat on their lands. Among all applicants thus far, 92 percent wish to improve habitat for deer and other wildlife through DMAP enrollment. Improved hunting and recreational opportunities is also a priority for many - 66 percent of current applicants are interested in increasing the antler size of harvested bucks. Many landowners (47 percent) look forward to improving relationships with neighboring landowners.

"Landowners will benefit from getting to know their local wildlife biologist and networking with other landowners in the state," Nack said,

In 2014, properties at levels 2 and 3 will be selected for enrollment from a pool of applicants. Applicants not accepted at these levels in 2014 will be enrolled at level 1 and will automatically be considered for enrollment at levels 2 or 3 in 2015.

"DMAP enrollment statistics illustrate the public's interest in hands-on wildlife management. Collaboration between landowners, hunters and the department will help improve wildlife habitat and deer herds and help Wisconsin continue its world-class hunting and wildlife viewing traditions," Nack said. DMAP applications for all three levels will be accepted through the online MyDMAP database or via hard copy.

For an application or additional information regarding the DMAP program, search the DNR website dnr.wi.gov for keyword "DMAP."